Babymoon top tips

Pregnancy is a great time to take a holiday. But travelling while pregnant means you've extra factors to consider.

Here are 10 tips for finding the right holiday for you.

At a glance

The ideal time to take your babymoon is between weeks 14 and 28

Check you are OK to fly before booking and make sure you keep your hospital notes with you

Get the right travel insurance to ensure you are covered

Time it properly

The ideal time to take your babymoon is between weeks 14 and 28 – i.e. the second trimester. By then you should be over your morning sickness, but won’t be so big that getting around is a chore.

Cruising is a great option for pregnant mums

You want maximum holiday time for minimum effort when pregnant. It might not be for everyone, but cruising offers an easy no-fuss option for mums-to-be. With health spas, numerous restaurants, cinemas and more, you get a lot for your money. And that's before you add in waking up in a different city every day.

However, cruise liners have implemented strict pregnancy policies that place restrictions on travel for pregnant women starting just ahead of their third trimester, due to concerns about potential pregnancy complications and the possibility of preterm birth. With few exceptions, the liners will not accept passengers who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the sailing.

Check it’s OK to fly

If you’re in your last trimester, double check with the airline that you’re still allowed to fly. Different airlines have different rules, and you may need a letter from your midwife to say it’s all right. Don’t fancy flying? Find out more about travelling by train, coach, ferry and more.

Ask for an upgrade

Being pregnant is like being on honeymoon – one of those occasions that might just bag you a flight upgrade. Dress smartly to increase your chances, and always ask politely.

Make sure you get a decent room

Getting a good night’s sleep may already be proving tricky, so make sure you book a king-size bed and don’t be shy about asking for extra pillows. And try to be allocated a quiet room, away from any street noise.

Book a spa session

This is the time to relax and do those things that won’t be so easy once the baby arrives. So don’t feel guilty about booking in that facial or pregnancy massage.

Take your hospital notes

Always have your medical records to hand, just in case you need to see a doctor during your stay.

Get the right insurance

You might want your insurance to include a cancellation clause, in case D-Day comes early. You’ll also need to tell your insurers that you’re pregnant, particularly if you’re travelling to a country where healthcare is expensive, like the US.

Take extra precautions

On holiday there are often factors to consider that wouldn't affect you at home. Is it OK to use the sauna? Should you stick to bottled water? Can you eat the sushi in that restaurant?

Do your homework

When you arrive, find out where the nearest hospital or medical centre is. If you don’t speak the language, learn a couple of useful phrases like, ‘Can I see a doctor?’ And make sure you've got the number of your midwifery team back home, just in case.